Best houseplants to naturally keep flies out of your home this summer

20 May 2024 , 04:49

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Flies can often be a troublesome pest in the home, but did you know plants can actually deter them?

With summer now just mere weeks away, many of us will be already be venturing outdoors to enjoy the better weather. From sun soaked beach days, to picnics on the lawn, these cherished moments spent outdoors are likely to become the highlights of our days. However, while the weather may be wonderful for our trips outdoors, the season also brings an influx of pesky flies and other flying insects that invade our homes.

These annoying critters can range from being a minor irritation to a painful nuisance, but before you reach for a traditional insecticide to eliminate them, consider using one of nature's own pest control solutions - the common houseplant. From the carnivorous venus fly trap to the kitchen staple basil, there are plenty of easy-to-grow plants that can help rid your home of flies in no time.

Here, we take a closer look at some of the most commonly used plants to repel flies from your home....

Basil

Basil is a common kitchen staple that could help to banish flies for good

A versatile all-rounder that many homeowners may want to consider is the humble herb basil. While it's often known for adding flavour to meals, it also has the unique property of deterring both flies and spiders due to its strong aroma and oil.

Lavender

Lavender is another popular choice due to it's effectiveness when it comes to beating several different insects (Getty)

Another good option to consider is lavender, which has long been regarded as an effective bug repellant on everything from flies to beetles and even fleas! The purple flowered plant is also hugely aesthetic too and can easily be worked into several decor styles for a touch of country cottage chic.

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Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is an effective fly repellant due to its high levels of Citronella

When it comes to kitchen staples, another popular choice for elevating a dish is the citrusy flavour of lemon balm, but did you know it also doubles a highly effective insect repellant too?

The plant's potency comes from its high levels of Citronella, a compound that's naturally present in the oil the plant produces. Known to ward off everything from spiders to flies and even mosquitoes, a well placed plant in the home could help to keep your entire house bug free this Summer.

READ MORE: 8 common household plants that will banish spiders from your home this summer

Rosemary

Although relatively mild to the human nose, rosemary is considered potent by many bugs

Another common herb that doubles as a natural bug repellant is the unassuming rosemary plant. Often known for it's flavour rather than it's scent, Rosemary is only mildly scented to the human nose, but has a far more potent aroma for insects making it the perfect plant to ward off spiders, flies and irritating gnats.

Marigold

Marigolds were regularly planted by gardeners as they are effective against several different kids of insect, including flies

One popular choice that is frequently a staple of allotments everywhere, is the common marigold, which was traditionally planted by keen gardeners to protect their plants after it was discovered that it boasts several pest control properties.

Renowned for its vibrant orange and yellow blooms, the scent of a marigold, while delightful to humans, can actually repel flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and even spiders!

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Venus Fly Trap

One of the rarer fly deterrents, but arguably the most interesting, is the infamous Venus Fly Trap which catches and then eats flies after luring them to their death with nectar

One of the most ruthless plants to rid your home of flies is the aptly named venus fly trap, which patiently waits with its mouth open for unsuspecting flies to land within its 'jaws', which promptly snap shut. After enticing the flies to their doom with a sweet nectar treat, the plant then starts to release an enzyme that digests the fly.

Though it may sound a bit grim, these plants can actually be a highly effective solution for dealing with flies in the home. The easy-to-grow venus fly trap can survive up to 20 years with proper care, meaning a constant fly catcher is likely to be on hand for many years to come.

Phoebe Tonks